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After a stellar run in the AFC Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers, the Indian men's national team climbed two spots to reach the 104th position in the FIFA world rankings. The updated rankings, which were updated on June 23, see the Blue Tigers neatly slotted in between Madagascar (105) and New Zealand (103).
Sunil Chhetri and Co. went on a winning streak in the final round of the qualifiers in Kolkata. India defeated Cambodia 2-0 in their first game, then grabbed a late winner against Afghanistan before thumping Hong Kong 4-0 in the final game.
Not only did head coach Igor Stimac's men secure a berth in the Asian Cup 2023 main tournament, but they have also improved their position in the rankings.
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Although their overall ranking has improved, India are still 19th among the members of the Asian Football Confederation. Iran, 23rd in the world, topped the AFC charts. The closest AFC nation to India in the rankings is Lebanon in the 100th spot, followed by Tajikistan in the 108th spot.
Among the other nations, Argentina moved into the third spot ahead of France while Italy fell to third after failing to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2022. Brazil are still the numero uno while Belgium remain in second place.
The Blue Tigers are looking sharp on the pitch
Luckily for the Indian team, the rise in ranks has been replicated by the performances of the side on the pitch. Before going into the qualifiers, the side suffered three defeats on the trot in friendlies. Bahrain handed the Blue Tigers a 1-2 defeat while Belarus thrashed them 0-3 and Jordan dished out a 0-2 loss.
With days remaining for the qualifiers, tensions were running high. However, once the ball was rolled inside the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Stadium, the hosts seemed like an inspired bunch. Led by a brace from Sunil Chhetri, India walked past Cambodia in the opening game.
Their next opponents, Afghanistan, were touted as the toughest challengers in Group D. India needed a late equalizer from Sahal Abdul Samad to down the Lions of Khorasan.
By the final game against Hong Kong, India had already qualified for the continental competition but put on their finest display. Scoring four goals past the in-form Hong Kong side, the Blue Tigers took the top spot in Group D.
